How automation is going to affect jobs in pharma, core,auto and consumer sector

ET brings you a lowdown on how the pharma, core, automotive and consumers sectors are responding to automation, and what it means for skills and jobs in these industries.Sreeradha D Basu&Saumya Bhattacharya | ET Bureau | June 13, 2017, 08:38 IST

The workplace is at a tipping point with automation changing the way companies work. A host of sectors are beginning to adapt to the future of work in the context of automation. ET brings you a lowdown on how the pharma, core, automotive and consumers sectors are responding to automation, and what it means for skills and jobs in these industries.

Areas where automation is happening:Automation is happening at a rapid pace. In the power sector, for instance, one can see state electricity boards go in for smart grids to control power distribution.

IMPACTImperative for improving competitiveness, not only in the domestic market, but also in increasing exports.Will have a multiplier effect of increasing domestic demand, leading to increased job creation.Will result in reduction of some manual jobs.

ROLES THAT COULD SEE CHANGESOnsite work. Things are gradually moving to a point where one can sit in a control room and monitor everything.Planning. In areas such as infrastructure building — where roads are being laid in a far more efficient way, or in smart grids, things are far more predictive.

NEW SKILLS NEEDEDAbility to analyse data.Knowledge management.Virtual communication and collaboration.Adhering to agile and lean principles.

HOW TO PREPARE EMPLOYEESGet them ready to work across regions and virtual platforms to solve problems. The use of digital devices will be a gamechanger, along with social media skills.

Quote: Digitalisation in manufacturing is opening up new opportunities to make products and solutions smarter. This means, for the manufacturing industry to expand and stay competitive, it needs a diverse workforce with high levels of expertise, capabilities and high level of engagement Ramesh Shankar S, head-HR, Siemens

AUTO SECTORNot a threat yet to your job areas where automation is happening: Fabrication and welding of frames, machining of critical parts, testing of higher-end engines and vehicles, painting.

IMPACTRobotisation is not a threat yet to human employment. The ratio of men versus machines is skewed towards humans. Certain areas require human inspection and intervention. Quality checks, judgement, opinion and logic cannot be replaced by robots.

ROLES THAT COULD SEE CHANGEDepending on the nature of automation and extent of embedding artificial intelligence, most of the roles are likely to get upgraded.

Repetitive jobs and those such as coordination will see changes in the immediate future.

Players in most roles are likely to feel the need for stepping up their skill levels, as part of their jobs will be automated.

NEW SKILLS NEEDEDCannot be generalised. However, learnability will be the most important competence for anyone. This can help people up-skill themselves at a quick pace. People need to understand the importance of digitisation and its impact and prepare themselves.

HOW TO PREPARE EMPLOYEESOffer quality training and education to produce effective and competent professionals.

Quote: The automotive industry is among early adopters of automation, with constant focus on improving productivity and product quality. The role of automation is also constantly evolving, with vehicles getting more advanced and complex. Automation is closely linked to predicting the future via data analytics and IoT R AnandaKrishnan, senior vice–president, HR, TVS Motor Company

CONSUMER SECTORWill boost demand for skilled labour.

IMPACTWill increase productivity and competitiveness in existing workforce.Will boost skilled labour demand and have a positive impact on wages.May pose challenges in enabling the middle and low skilled to upskill and in retaining them.Fear and insecurity in the workforce can result in attrition and demotivation.

SKILLS NEEDEDKnowledge and understanding on the next level or future technology.Cognitive, behavioural and people skills.

HOW TO PREPARE EMPLOYEESUpgrade the Generation Y employees by offering courses and engage them in conversations beyond comfort zone.Develop emotional intelligence.Business leaders need to conduct a thorough revision of their inventory and create a heat map of where automation potential is high. They should strategise on the types of skills they want be installed within their employees in order to enhance their workability.

Quote:Automation is about ‘technology’ and I see it as a means of empowering oneself and others. As the industry gathers pace and moves into the fourth industrial revolution, we need to start training the workforce in ways so they can work efficiently with the machines Adarsh Mishra, CHRO, Panasonic India